Search

Objective: To investigate food insecurity and related coping strategies, and their associations with the risk of anxiety and depression, among South African households with children. Design: Nationally representative cross-sectional study. Tools for assessing food insecurity, coping strategies, risk of anxiety and depression were assessed from the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project, Coping Strategies Index, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We used ordered logistic regression to test associations of food insecurity and coping strategies with the risk of anxiety and depression. Moderating effects of each coping strategy were tested in the associations of food insecurity with anxiety and depression. Setting: South Africa, post COVID-19 restrictions, May–June 2022. Participants: 1,774 adults, weighted to 20,955,234 households. Results: Food insecurity prevalence was 23·7 % among households with children. All coping strategies were used to some extent, but relying on less preferred and less expensive foods was the most used strategy (85·5 % of food-insecure households). Moving to a higher level of food insecurity was associated with >1·6 greater odds of being in a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Sending a household member to beg for food was the strongest associated factor (OR = 1·7, P < 0·001). All coping strategies partly moderated (lessened) the associations of food insecurity with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Food insecurity among households with children was high following the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts between government, private sector and civil society to eradicate food insecurity should prioritise poorer households with children, as these populations are the most vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: Households with children accessing food aid in high-income countries are often food insecure. We aimed to review the evidence on food aid interventions in households with children and impact on food insecurity, diet quality and mental health. Design: A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Articles published from January 2008 to July 2022 including cross-sectional, cohort and interventional studies in high-income countries were eligible. Setting: Food aid is defined as the use of interventions providing free food items by community and/or charitable organisations. Participants: Two-parent, lone parent or households with a primary caregiver with at least one child ≤ 18 years. Results: From a total of 10 394 articles, nine were included. Food banks, mobile pantry combined with a free meal for children, backpack provision during school term and food parcel home delivery interventions were evaluated. Food bank models offering additional support such as community programmes, health and social services, cooking classes and free meals for children, client-choice-based models and programmes providing convenient access were associated with improved food security and diet quality (increased intake of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables). One study reported an improvement in mental health and food bank access at the end of 18 months but not at earlier timepoints and one study reported no change in parents’ mental health. Conclusions: Accessing food aid was linked to improved diet quality and reduced food insecurity in some studies. Allowing clients to choose food items and providing support services were most effective.

Abstract Objective: To investigate food insecurity and related coping strategies, and their associations with the risk of anxiety and depression, among South African households with children. Design: Nationally representative cross-sectional study. Tools for assessing food insecurity, coping strategies, risk of anxiety and depression were assessed from the Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project, Coping Strategies Index, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. We used ordered logistic regression to test associations of food insecurity and coping strategies with the risk of anxiety and depression. Moderating effects of each coping strategy were tested in the associations of food insecurity with anxiety and depression. Setting: South Africa, post COVID-19 restrictions, May–June 2022. Participants: 1,774 adults, weighted to 20,955,234 households. Results: Food insecurity prevalence was 23·7 % among households with children. All coping strategies were used to some extent, but relying on less preferred and less expensive foods was the most used strategy (85·5 % of food-insecure households). Moving to a higher level of food insecurity was associated with >1·6 greater odds of being in a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Sending a household member to beg for food was the strongest associated factor (OR = 1·7, P < 0·001). All coping strategies partly moderated (lessened) the associations of food insecurity with a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Food insecurity among households with children was high following the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborative efforts between government, private sector and civil society to eradicate food insecurity should prioritise poorer households with children, as these populations are the most vulnerable.

Understanding impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among households with children is necessary to design appropriate public health responses that protect food and nutrition security. The objective of this research was to understand predictors of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic among households with at least one child (<18 years), including whether foods reported as out-ofstock were associated with the likelihood of food insecurity. An online survey using validated measures and open-ended questions was distributed to a convenience sample in five states— Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, and West Virginia—during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic (April through September of 2020). Predictors of food insecurity (race/ethnicity, age, marital status, education, federal nutrition assistance program participation, number of adults and children in the household, rurality, and missing foods when shopping) among households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic were modeled using logistic regression (p < 0.05, a priori). To further illuminate household experiences during this time, two researchers independently coded open-ended survey question data using inductive and deductive approaches to construct themes. Households with children had increased odds of experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic if they had the following characteristics: Hispanic ethnicity; age between 25 and 44 years; additional adult household members; economic hardship; SNAP/WIC participation; being widowed, divorced, or separated; and reporting foods not available when shopping. Participants described mainly negative changes to dietary patterns and practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also described food security challenges and ideas for improving food security. Consistent with other data collected and analyzed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study contributes findings that emphasize the need for enhanced public health responses and emergency preparedness measures that protect food and nutrition security. Because of the increased shortand long-term consequences including exposure to adverse circumstances, impaired learning, risks to mental health, and poor health outcomes, ensuring an adequate food supply is especially important for households with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding impacts of the COVID-19 pan­demic among households with children is neces­sary to design appropriate public health responses that protect food and nutrition security. The objec­tive of this research was to understand predictors of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic among households with at least one child (

Objectives: The current study investigates the differential coping strategies and mental health consequences of food insecurity in relation to period of the lifespan (middle vs. late adulthood) and household composition (living with vs. without children). Method: Using a cross-sectional design, food-related coping strategies, anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (WHO-5) were compared among the following groups: middle adults with vs. without children, and middle adults without children vs. late adults without children. Predictive models using hierarchical linear regression examined the main effects of age and household composition with food insecurity predicting mental health; additionally, the interaction of food insecurity with age and household composition was tested in a separate model. Results: Middle-adults with and without children share similar frequencies in levels of food insecurity and coping strategies, which were significantly higher than late adults. Conclusion: The link between food insecurity and depression was stronger for middle-adults without children than late adults. Food insecurity was a stronger predictor of anxiety for middle-adults with children than those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Changes in the item order of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (USHFSSM) were performed throughout time. This study aimed to compare the psychometric properties of the general and specific factors of the 2000 and 2012 versions of the USHFSSM to measure the construct of food insecurity in two Portuguese samples of households with children.Design: Cross-sectional.Setting: Portugal.Participants: An adaptation of the 2000 version was applied to 839 adults (from households with children aged 7-17 years) from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015-2016, while the 2012 version was used among 2855 families from the Generation XXI birth cohort.Results: The 2000 version showed to have a stronger ωh than the 2012 version (0·89 v. 0·78 for the general factor), as well as eigenvalues higher than 1 for the general factor (eigenvalues equal to 9·54, 0·97 and 0·80, for the general factor, specific factor 1 and specific factor 2, respectively), while the 2012 version had also the contribution of specific factors to explain food insecurity (eigenvalues equal to 9·40, 2·40 and 1·20, for general factor and specific factors 1 and 2, respectively). Good internal consistency (ωt = 0·99, for both versions) was obtained.Conclusions: In conclusion, the 2000 and 2012 versions of the USHFSSM showed good psychometric properties; however, the 2000 version has stronger general factor, while the 2012 version also has the contribution of specific factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Households with children accessing food aid in high-income countries are often food insecure. We aimed to review the evidence on food aid interventions in households with children and impact on food insecurity, diet quality and mental health., Design: A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Articles published from January 2008 to July 2022 including cross-sectional, cohort and interventional studies in high-income countries were eligible., Setting: Food aid is defined as the use of interventions providing free food items by community and/or charitable organisations., Participants: Two-parent, lone parent or households with a primary caregiver with at least one child ≤ 18 years., Results: From a total of 10 394 articles, nine were included. Food banks, mobile pantry combined with a free meal for children, backpack provision during school term and food parcel home delivery interventions were evaluated. Food bank models offering additional support such as community programmes, health and social services, cooking classes and free meals for children, client-choice-based models and programmes providing convenient access were associated with improved food security and diet quality (increased intake of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables). One study reported an improvement in mental health and food bank access at the end of 18 months but not at earlier timepoints and one study reported no change in parents' mental health., Conclusions: Accessing food aid was linked to improved diet quality and reduced food insecurity in some studies. Allowing clients to choose food items and providing support services were most effective.

Abstract Background In the United States, approximately 11% of households were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among adults and households with children living in the United States during the pandemic. Methods This study utilized social media as a recruitment platform to administer an original online survey on demographics and COVID-related food insecurity. The survey was disseminated through an advertisement campaign on Facebook and affiliated platforms. Food insecurity was assessed with a validated six-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module, which was used to create a six-point numerical food security score, where a higher score indicates lower food security. Individual-level participant demographic information was also collected. Logistic regressions (low/very-low compared with high/marginal food security) were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95%CIs for food insecurity and select demographic characteristics. Results Advertisements reached 250,701 individuals and resulted in 5,606 complete surveys. Overall, 14.7% of participants self-identified as having low or very low food security in their households, with higher prevalence (17.5%) among households with children. Unemployment (AOR:1.76, 95%CI:1.09–2.80), high school or lower education (AOR:2.25, 95%CI:1.29–3.90), and low income (AOR[$30,000-$50,000]:5.87, 95%CI:3.35–10.37; AOR[

The political economy of housing in Australia is in flux; households increasingly engage in the housing market as a way to manage social and financial risks. Addressing a lack of empirical research on household decision-making, we interviewed 40 owners and renter households in Melbourne. Participants understood the role of housing as a financial asset; this was enacted through their adoption of the position of a neoliberal investor subject engaged in speculative investment and rational calculation of risks and rewards. Renters were conscious of living in their landlord's investment. However, some participants also articulated active resistance to speculative investment in the housing market, and their commitment to the use value of housing and other meanings of home. This examination of the feelings and practices of participants within the housing market provided new insights into the ways that neoliberal ideology and financialization processes are currently shaping Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased food-insecurity rates, particularly among low-income households. Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was expected to rise in response. We surveyed 931 US residents from households with annual incomes below $50,000 to collect information on food security and food assistance program participation in the year prior to the pandemic and in the first four months of the pandemic, along with household and individual-level demographics. Food insecurity increased from 31% prior to the pandemic to 39% in the first four months of the pandemic, while self-reported SNAP participation stagnated. Even more alarmingly, among low-income households that were also food-insecure, 47% reported participating in SNAP prior to the pandemic but only 39% did so in the first four months following the pandemic’s onset. In particular, Black households, households with children, and those in the lowest income category experienced the largest declines in SNAP participation. Food assistance programs designed to alleviate hunger should facilitate participation among the most vulnerable, especially when these groups are faced with multiple challenges, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: In the United States, approximately 11% of households were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among adults and households with children living in the United States during the pandemic.Methods: This study utilized social media as a recruitment platform to administer an original online survey on demographics and COVID-related food insecurity. The survey was disseminated through an advertisement campaign on Facebook and affiliated platforms. Food insecurity was assessed with a validated six-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module, which was used to create a six-point numerical food security score, where a higher score indicates lower food security. Individual-level participant demographic information was also collected. Logistic regressions (low/very-low compared with high/marginal food security) were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95%CIs for food insecurity and select demographic characteristics.Results: Advertisements reached 250,701 individuals and resulted in 5,606 complete surveys. Overall, 14.7% of participants self-identified as having low or very low food security in their households, with higher prevalence (17.5%) among households with children. Unemployment (AOR:1.76, 95%CI:1.09-2.80), high school or lower education (AOR:2.25, 95%CI:1.29-3.90), and low income (AOR[$30,000-$50,000]:5.87, 95%CI:3.35-10.37; AOR[< $30,000]:10.61, 95%CI:5.50-20.80) were associated with higher odds of food insecurity in multivariable models among households with children (and the whole sample).Conclusions: These data indicate exacerbation of food insecurity during the pandemic. The study will be instrumental in guiding additional research and time-sensitive interventions targeted towards vulnerable food insecure subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The child poverty rate has increased noticeably in Finland since the mid-1990s, and there are numerous studies in this area. However, little is known about child poverty in the two native and equal population groups, Finnish speakers and Swedish speakers. Using detailed register-based data that cover the period 1987–2011, we analyze how child poverty depends on parental ethno-linguistic affiliation, and whether there is variation in income poverty across these households over time. The poverty measure is relative and based on equalized taxable household income of households with children. Odds of poverty are estimated with logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated observations at the household level. The analyses are restricted to areas with both Swedish- and Finnish-speaking settlement. Single-parent and two-parent households are analyzed separately. Poverty rates increased in all major types of households during the study period, but variation by ethno-linguistic affiliation was fairly modest. Swedish-speaking single-parent and two-parent households experienced a smaller increase in the poverty rate than Finnish-speaking ones, while patterns observed for exogamous households were less clear. The contribution of control variables on the ethno-linguistic poverty differences was modest. Considering that the ethno-linguistic groups studied are indigenous and equal, the small differences in poverty rates between Finnish speakers and Swedish speakers are evidence of a democratic and well-functioning welfare state, although the increasing overall poverty rates over time require future scrutiny by both policy makers and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: The restrictions introduced by nation states to overcome the spread of the COVID19 pandemic had a negative impact on the situation of families with children due to lower incomes of the population, increased unemployment, and reduced opportunities for using social infrastructure (education, health, culture and sports). In order to overcome the consequences of the restrictions introduced during the COVID19, national states proposed various support measures not only for business, but also for the population, especially for families with children. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to conduct a comparative analysis of government support measures for families with children aimed at overcoming the socio-economic consequences of COVID 19, using the example of the Russian Federation and a number of countries in Europe and Asia. Methods: as the main research methods are the analysis of documents, the analysis of statistical data. Findings & Value added: The analysis presents systematic data on measures of state support for families with children in various European and Asian countries. It is concluded that these measures are of a monetary nature (in the form of direct payments), and non-monetary nature (in the form of guarantees, benefits, material assistance of various kinds). At the same time, the question of the effectiveness of these measures to restore the socio-economic situation of families with children during and after СOVID19 remains controversial.

Background: As the expansion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and pandemic emergency assistance programs ended in late 2021, little is known about subsequent trends in food insufficiency (FI) among households with children., Objectives: This research examined the association between SNAP participation and FI among households with children in the United States, particularly non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Hispanic households., Methods: This cross-sectional analysis used Household Pulse Survey data collected from December 2021 to May 2022. Spatial analysis was conducted to visualize FI and SNAP participation rates across 50 states. With state SNAP policy rules as exogenous instruments and sociodemographic factors as control variables, 2-stage probit models were utilized to assess the SNAP and FI association among all (n = 135,074), Black (n = 13,940), and Hispanic households with children (n = 17,869)., Results: Approximately 13.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 13.85%, 13.99%] of households experienced FI, and 20.4% (CI: 20.35%, 20.51%) received SNAP benefits. Among Black and Hispanic households, higher rates were observed, with 23.3% (CI: 23.12%, 23.4%) and 20.8% (CI: 20.61%, 20.95%) experiencing FI and 36.3% (CI: 36.1%, 36.5%) and 26.9% (CI: 26.61%, 27.13%) receiving SNAP benefits. These rates varied across states, ranging from 8% (Utah) to 21.1% (Mississippi) for FI and from 8.8% (Utah) to 32.7% (New Mexico) for SNAP participation. SNAP participants demonstrated a 12% lower likelihood of FI than nonparticipants (CI: -0.18, -0.05, P < 0.001). Among Black households, SNAP participants had a 29% lower likelihood of FI than nonparticipants (CI: -0.54, -0.03, P < 0.001). However, SNAP participation was not significant among Hispanic households (P = 0.99), nor did it narrow the FI gap between Hispanic and non-Hispanic households (P = 0.22)., Conclusions: SNAP participation was associated with lower levels of FI among households with children, particularly for Black households. However, there was no significant association between SNAP participation and FI among Hispanic households with children., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Nutrition. All rights reserved.)

Background: We examined the influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) during the 2013-2014 influenza season, in which 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus (influenza A[H1N1]pdm09) predominated. In 2 previous years when influenza A(H3N2) virus predominated, the VE was low and negatively affected by prior year vaccination.Methods: We enrolled and followed 232 households with 1049 members, including 618 children; specimens were collected from subjects with acute respiratory illnesses. The VE in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infection was estimated in adjusted models. Preseason hemagglutination-inhibition and neuraminidase-inhibition antibody titers were determined to assess susceptibility.Results: Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was identified in 25 households (10.8%) and 47 individuals (4.5%). Adjusted VE against infection with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23%-85%), with similar point estimates in children and adults, and against both community-acquired and household-acquired infections. VE did not appear to be different for live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines among children aged 2-8 years, although numbers were small. VE was similar for subjects vaccinated in both current and prior seasons and for those vaccinated in the current season only; susceptibility titers were consistent with this observation.Conclusions: Findings, including substantial significant VE and a lack of a negative effect of repeated vaccination on VE, were in contrast to those seen in prior seasons in which influenza A(H3N2) virus predominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the affective, emotional, and familial dimensions of urban everyday mobility. Drawing on theoretical inspiration from phenomenology, non-representational theory, and mobilities research on the relational mobilities of children and families, the paper explores the everyday mobility of 11 households with children in the multi-modal context of Copenhagen, Denmark. Following the conceptualization of everyday mobility practices as heterogeneous ‘negotiation in motion’, the empirical analysis investigates how the strong relational dynamics between household members are organized around affect, care, familial bonding, and the rhythms of everyday life, which shape spatial patterns of moving together and apart. A new qualitative method combining GPS tracking, mapping, and household interviews is explored to show how everyday patterns of relational mobility are filtered through spatial affordances, affective ambience, and the temporalities of the lifecourse to influence transport alternatives of route and modal choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. There are recognized needs to identify determinants of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), including the effect of repeated annual vaccination. Methods. We recruited 321 households with 1426 members, including 833 children, and followed them during the 2012-2013 influenza season; specimens were collected from subjects with reported acute respiratory illnesses.We estimated the effectiveness of documented influenza vaccination in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza, using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Antibody titers in a subset of subjects were determined by a hemagglutination inhibition assay to determine the subjects' preseason susceptibility to influenza. Results. Influenza was identified in 76 (24%) households and 111 (8%) individuals. VE point estimates indicated significant protection in adults (48%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1%-72%), similar protection in children aged 9- 17 years (49%; 95% CI, -16% to 78%), but no evidence of effectiveness in children aged <9 years (-4%; 95% CI, -110% to 49%). Lower VE was observed in those vaccinated in both the current and prior seasons, compared with those vaccinated in the current season only; susceptibility titers against type A but not type B were consistent with this observation. Residual protection from vaccination in the prior season was indicated by both VE and serologic results. Conclusions. Prior vaccination appears to modify VE by both residual protection and reduced vaccine response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The household has traditionally been the site for studying acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). Most studies were conducted many years ago, and more broadly sensitive laboratory methods to determine ARI etiology are now available.Methods. We recruited and followed households with children over 3 annual surveillance periods and collected respiratory tract specimens from subjects with reported ARI. Virus etiology was determined by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.Results. Individuals in larger households (defined as households with >4 members) and those in households with children aged <5 years had significantly higher ARI frequencies than others. ARI frequency generally declined with increasing age. Virus etiology was most likely to be determined in young children, who were also most likely to have virus coinfection. Overall, 16% of ARIs with 1 virus identified had ≥1 coinfecting virus. Rhinoviruses and coronaviruses were the most frequently identified agents of ARI in all age categories. Influenza virus and adenovirus were less frequently identified but were most likely to cause ARI that required medical attention.Conclusions. Longitudinal studies in families remain a valuable way to study respiratory infections. RT-PCR has increased the sensitivity of virus detection, including coinfecting viruses, and expanded our ability to detect viruses now known to cause ARI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined influenza vaccine effectiveness in preventing community- and household-acquired influenza. Estimates were lower than those demonstrated in other observational studies carried out the same season, with unexpected findings of lower effectiveness with repeated vaccination and no protection with household exposure.Background. There is a recognized need to determine influenza vaccine effectiveness on an annual basis and a long history of studying respiratory illnesses in households.Methods. We recruited 328 households with 1441 members, including 839 children, and followed them during the 2010–2011 influenza season. Specimens were collected from subjects with reported acute respiratory illnesses and tested by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Receipt of influenza vaccine was defined based on documented evidence of vaccination in medical records or an immunization registry. The effectiveness of 2010–2011 influenza vaccination in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age and presence of high-risk condition, and stratified by prior season (2009–2010) vaccination status.Results. Influenza was identified in 78 (24%) households and 125 (9%) individuals; the infection risk was 8.5% in the vaccinated and 8.9% in the unvaccinated (P = .83). Adjusted vaccine effectiveness in preventing community-acquired influenza was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], −7% to 55%). In vaccinated subjects with no evidence of prior season vaccination, significant protection (62% [95% CI, 17%–82%]) against community-acquired influenza was demonstrated. Substantially lower effectiveness was noted among subjects who were vaccinated in both the current and prior season. There was no evidence that vaccination prevented household transmission once influenza was introduced; adults were at particular risk despite vaccination.Conclusions. Vaccine effectiveness estimates were lower than those demonstrated in other observational studies carried out during the same season. The unexpected findings of lower effectiveness with repeated vaccination and no protection given household exposure require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses multidimensional fuzzy monetary and non-monetary deprivation in households with children by using two different definitions: households with children under 14 years old, and the EU definition of households with dependent children. Eight dimensions of non-monetary deprivation were found using 34 items from the EU-SILC 2016 survey. Dealing with subpopulations, it is essential to compute standard errors for the presented estimators. Thus, a relevant added value of the paper is fuzzy poverty measures and associated standard errors, which were also computed. Moreover, a comparison was made between the measures obtained concerning the two subpopulations across countries. With a focus on Italy, an Italian macro-region is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased food-insecurity rates, particularly among low-income households. Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was expected to rise in response. We surveyed 931 US residents from households with annual incomes below $50,000 to collect information on food security and food assistance program participation in the year prior to the pandemic and in the first four months of the pandemic, along with household and individual-level demographics. Food insecurity increased from 31% prior to the pandemic to 39% in the first four months of the pandemic, while self-reported SNAP participation stagnated. Even more alarmingly, among low-income households that were also food-insecure, 47% reported participating in SNAP prior to the pandemic but only 39% did so in the first four months following the pandemic's onset. In particular, Black households, households with children, and those in the lowest income category experienced the largest declines in SNAP participation. Food assistance programs designed to alleviate hunger should facilitate participation among the most vulnerable, especially when these groups are faced with multiple challenges, like during the COVID-19 pandemic., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Authors.)